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Local News

Veterans Have Access to Updated Websites

The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs launched four new websites this week in an effort to improve access to information for its users.

They split their past website into four new sites to simplify what each site offers and make it easier for people to find the information they need. The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, Michigan Veterans Homes, and Michigan Youth Challenge Academy now all have their own sites.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said, “Our websites provide valuable information and services to our service members, employees, stakeholders and the communities we serve. That is why it was imperative that we remove and prevent barriers to accessibility while improving site navigation to key services so that all visitors will have a positive experience when interacting with our websites.”

The sites are more streamlined so users can find information based on key services available from each department and they are more mobile-friendly. They will also help veterans and their dependents connect with a Veteran Service Officer in their area so they can get one-on-one help accessing their benefits.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

MI New Favorite Snack Competition Looking for the Next Big Thing in the Snacks

Everyone loves snack foods like chips, pretzels, candy, and more. The next big thing in snacks could be right here in Michigan.

The MI New Favorite Snack Competition has begun the search for Michigan’s next great snack food. The top prize is $30,000 and a distribution contract with All-Star Services, a Port Huron-based company that supplies workplace vending throughout the state.

The second-place prize is $15,000 and the third-place prize is $5,000. The entry period has begun and goes until August 1st. The finalists will compete for the top prizes on September 17th.

To qualify, entrants must have appropriate licensing and insurance and be headquartered in Michigan. The makers of the snack foods must be a small business with no more than ten employees at the time of entry and have the product packaged for consumer purchase.

The registration for MI New Favorite Snack is hosted by the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce and is supported by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Essential Health Provider Program Pays Loans for Doctors in Underserved Areas

For those who want to become a doctor or other health professional, but are scared off by the cost of tuition, there is a new law that can take away some of the burdens of paying for higher education while helping bring care to the communities that need it most.

After bipartisan cooperation, Senate Bills 246 and 435 were signed into law to increase loan forgiveness for health professionals who work in underserved communities. The program is part of the Michigan Essential Health Provider Program.

Those who go into healthcare fields can have up to $300,000 in loans forgiven over the course of ten years. The bill also expands the physician specializations that qualify for the loan forgiveness to include mental health professionals. 

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Curt VanderWall, a Ludington Republican, said, “I’m excited by the unique opportunity that this bill offers. Communities all around the state are facing a real problem in this shortage of medical professionals. This bill will offer tuition relief for medical students that sign contracts in areas of need.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Elections Get some Revamps with Online Tools, Grants, Possible Legislation

There have been several recent developments in Michigan’s election process. Those include new online tools that voters can use to update their voter registrations at Michigan.gov/Vote 

Also, in response to requests from local clerks, jurisdictions are now eligible for $8 million total in Michigan Bureau of Elections grant funding to implement security measures.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said, “These grants from our office will assist local election officials to protect the integrity and security of our elections as they face unprecedented threats and challenges to their work.”

Benson also said, “But investing in secure elections is meant to be a team effort, so we need legislative leaders to join us and commit to providing consistent and sufficient funding to ensure our election officials have the tools they need to protect democracy.”

Benson expressed disdain for a recent ruling by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules that could undo some of the Michigan Bureau of Elections actions that clarify election law and codify existing practices. Benson said that legislators were “more interested in playing games” than doing the people’s work”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Challenger Center has All-Star Lineup for April 30 Launch

The St. Clair County Community College Challenger Center is gearing up for the public launch of the facility. The founding chair, June Scobee Rodgers, Ph.D., will be featured at the April 30th kick-off.

Rodgers is the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee. The Center was founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Challenger disaster.

Rodgers will be joined by former NASA astronauts Robert Curbeam, senior vice president of space capture at Maxar Technologies, and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, earth scientist at Geosyntec Consultants, LCC.  

Dr. Deborah Snyder, president of St. Clair County Community College, said, “We are thrilled to welcome June, Robert and Dottie to campus for this event, which honors the legacy of the Challenger crew and opens the door to new and exciting immersive STEM education and engagement opportunities for Michigan and Ontario residents.”

The Challenger Center offers unique learning and team-building opportunities for students, educators, corporations, and community residents. A link can be found at WGRT.com.

To register for the April 30 event, visit challenger.sc4.edu/launch-event/. For more information and to book a Lunar Quest mission, visit challenger.sc4.edu

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Statewide Tornado Drill Cancelled

Due to the potential for severe weather this afternoon the Tornado Drill and outdoor siren testing has been CANCELLED.

The outdoor sirens are routinely tested on the first Monday of each month at 1:00 PM.

In the event of severe weather, siren activation for a steady three (3) minutes means a tornado warning has been issued for our area; and residents should tune to local media for specific information regarding severe weather and additional instructions.

Residents can find more information on how to stay safe during severe thunderstorms and tornados at www.ready.gov